Egmont Key State Park

Egmont Key Lighthouse Aerial

Egmont Key

Fort at Egmont Key

Egmont Key Lighthouse

Fort at Egmont Key

Egmont Key Aerial

Ferry to Egmont Key

Now a wildlife refuge, Egmont Key is a natural island escape with significant history. It was a camp for captured Seminoles during the Third Seminole War and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Park. This 440-acre island is the home to one of the last government-operated lighthouses in the U.S. Built in 1858 still serves as an active navigational aide to all ships entering Tampa Bay.

Several boats offer snorkeling excursions to this island which is accessible only by boat. Egmont Key also has a variety of significant natural resources, including a large population of gopher tortoises, and its beach is used as a nesting area by loggerhead sea turtles. In addition to snorkeling, visitors to the island can enjoy beaches, hiking trails and the historic fort and lighthouse.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection cooperatively manages Egmont Key with the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard

AmenitiesRelated

Activities

BoatingFishingScuba/DivingSnorkeling

Facility Amenities

Picnic Area

General Information

Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset.Open Year-Round

Guest Information

Family Friendly

Time To Experience Activity

Half day

Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto Park

Take an adventurous ride to beautiful Egmont Key on a 46-foot, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Tour Boats ferry. All tours are fully narrated, informative and fun...

Details

Traveler Reviews

Based on 159 reviews

Heath R | Aug. 7, 2017

“Best time”

Booked ferry thru hubbards marina.make sure to bring cash to pay at kiosk and to tip the captain.lots of turtles. What my kid liked best was swimming and snorkeling and shelling. Lots of great photo...